REQUESTING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A COURT SECURITY AND DEPARTMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT CAPACITY WORKING GROUP TO ADDRESS SYSTEMIC STAFFING SHORTAGES, EXPANDED STATUTORY RESPONSIBILITIES, AND THE ESCALATING FISCAL AND ACCOUNTABILITY RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH PRIVATE SECURITY CONTRACTING AT STATE COURTS.

This House Resolution requests the creation of a working group to examine staffing shortages and security contracting issues at Hawaii state courts. The bill identifies that the Department of Law Enforcement has taken on expanded duties without matching increases in Deputy Sheriff positions, leading to vacancies and increased reliance on private security contractors. The proposed working group will include leaders from the judiciary, law enforcement, human resources, finance, and the attorney general to evaluate solutions for staffing levels, recruitment, and reducing long-term dependence on private security contracts. The resolution aims to address fiscal risks and accountability concerns associated with replacing public security personnel with private contractors at state court facilities.